As a senior at Shanley High School in Fargo, North Dakota, I had my college options narrowed down to UND and MSU Mankato. I decided to venture farther from home and was all set to attend Mankato when I got a call offering me a four-year scholarship that would cover my tuition at UND.

And I could not be more grateful.

During my time as a student at UND, I have pursued leadership roles on and off campus, completed two internships at nonprofits in the Grand Forks community, made great connections, met some of my best friends, and recently accepted a post-grad job. I owe these experiences to the education and guidance I received from the University.

Without that scholarship, I wouldn’t have come to UND. But scholarships helped me more than just getting me in the door. I have been able to focus on my schoolwork and my future rather than worrying about work, loans, and money. My unpaid 300-hour internship gave me valuable experience, helped me realize career goals, and made me fall in love with the Grand Forks community.

Scholarships are about creating opportunity. They let students know that you believe in us, want us to succeed, and want us to succeed here. This is why the UND Alumni Association & Foundation is focusing on raising scholarship funds. Give to support students like me.